Recreation Projects Get Federal Funding

The federal government has announced 748-thousand dollars in funding for four recreational projects in the Vernon area.

Minister of Sport Carla Qualtrough says the funding comes from the Canada 150 program, which she says will create a lasting legacy from the country’s milestone year.

“We wanted to create legacy initiatives that wasn’t just about having big parties all over the country. We wanted communities to be able to look back at their rinks, their arena, or their soccer pitch, and say, ‘I remember for Canada’s birthday, we got a new field.’ That kind of thing is more longer lasting,” Qualtrough told Kiss FM at the announcement at the Vantage One Soccer Centre.

The Okanagan Rail Trail gets $417,500, while the Regional District of North Okanagan receives $150,000 to rehabilitate the artificial turf at the Vantage One Indoor Soccer Centre.

“The Vantage One Indoor Soccer Centre is a very well-used sports amenity, and this turf replacement will ensure that it serves the community well into the future,” says Bob Fleming, chair of the Regional District of North Okanagan.

Rail Trail ambassador Brad Clements says it’s funding they knew they were getting back in January but couldn’t say anything.

He says it’s part of the 5 million dollars raised to date, or about 65% of the $7.8 million goal.

“It’s fantastic. This is going to pay for a lot of the rock scaling, and a lot of the work in the north,” Clements tells Kiss FM.

The City of Vernon gets $80,000 to renovate the Centennial outdoor rink, and the Okanagan Indian Band receives $47,019 to develop a fitness path, and to renovate Komasket Park.

Photo: Carla Qualtrough, federal minister of sport, announces $748,519 for four projects in Vernon area at the Vantage One Indoor Soccer Centre.